Wilfried Zaha admitted he had to start again to build a reputation after leaving Old Trafford

“People said I was not ready for my big move — but I didn’t get the opportunity and was just branded a flop.

“I had to start again. I’m doing it for myself and also to show I’m a good player.

“Luckily, Palace have had love for me from the beginning. It is the team I could fall back on. I got settled there again and have kicked on ever since.

“It did hurt, the criticism. I had to be mentally strong.

“If I did not have the mental strength, I would not have recovered from all the fans’ taunts during games and on social media. I had to believe in myself. And I had to have a team and manager that allows me to play — that is what has happened now.

“Players can come back stronger. Look at De Bruyne.

“Jose Mourinho got rid of him at Chelsea, he joined Wolfsburg, came to City and is now one of the best players in the Prem.

“Sometimes, the easiest route is not the best route. You come back stronger.

“Look at Romelu Lukaku. He has scored the most goals in the league, even though some doubted him. He has proved everyone wrong.

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